Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island, offers some of the most inviting waters and scenic coastlines in the Mediterranean. Unlike the crowded cruise ports of larger destinations, Gozo’s calm, clear waters and dramatic caves make it ideal for a variety of boat tours. Whether you want a small-group cruise that feels intimate, a private charter tailored to your pace, or an adventurous jeep safari exploring the island’s lesser-known spots, you’ll find options that suit your style. We especially like the Gozo/Mellieha: Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon Half-Day Cruise for its relaxed vibe and stunning water views—perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying crystal-clear swimming spots.
If privacy is your priority, the Private Boat Charter: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon offers a personalized way to explore with your own group, including a bottle of local Maltese wine. For those who want a full-day adventure, a Malta: Gozo Full-Day Jeep with Lunch and Boat Transfers combines island exploration by jeep with scenic boat rides. Finally, for a blend of sightseeing, relaxation, and local flavor, the Malta: Around Comino Cruise and Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch offers a well-rounded experience.
Below, we walk you through each of these top-rated tours, highlighting what makes them stand out and who they’re best suited for.
1. Gozo/Mellieha: Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon Half-Day Cruise
At number one on our list, the Gozo/Mellieha: Comino, Blue & Crystal Lagoon Half-Day Cruise is a truly relaxing way to enjoy some of Malta’s most famous water attractions. This small-group boat tour offers a 4-hour trip around the waters of Malta, starting from either Cirkewwa or Mellieha, making it easy to connect with your accommodation. You’ll set sail on a charming 45-foot cruiser equipped with a sundeck and canopy, perfect for soaking up the sun or finding shade on hot days. The itinerary includes stops at the iconic Blue Lagoon, where you can swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters, and at the Crystal Lagoon, which offers stunning photo opportunities and quieter swimming spots. You’ll also explore the Santa Maria Caves, marveling at their natural formations from the water.
Guests frequently mention the intimacy and friendly atmosphere of this tour. One reviewer notes, “Many other tours are big party boats but we were only 13 people,” emphasizing the calm, personable vibe. The highlight is the opportunity to swim, play with pool toys, and sip drinks in a setting that feels exclusive. The tour’s scenic water views and exploration of Santa Maria Caves make it ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful, scenic, and well-organized outing. The only potential drawback is the rocking boat, so bring seasickness medication if you’re sensitive.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a small, relaxed experience with plenty of swimming and scenic water access.
2. Private Boat Charter: Gozo, Comino, Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon
If privacy and customization top your list, the Private Boat Charter in Gozo and Comino is hard to beat. For around $231 per group (up to six people), you get your own boat for about 2 hours, with the freedom to choose your stops and pace. You’ll visit highlights like the Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon, where your captain will anchor far from the crowds for a more intimate swim and snorkel adventure. The trip includes a bottle of local Maltese wine, making the experience even more enjoyable.
What stands out here is the flexibility: you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on deck while your captain handles the navigation. Guests have praised the personal service, with one writing, “The boat was just the right size for us and the captain showed us the caves and lagoons”—a real treat for those craving independence. Because it’s private, the tour suits couples, small families, or friends who prefer a tailored experience over scheduled group tours. The main trade-off is the price, but many feel the exclusivity and personalized service justify it.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting privacy, a flexible schedule, and a touch of luxury on the water.
3. Malta: Gozo Full-Day Jeep with Lunch and Boat Transfers
For a full-day immersion into Gozo’s sights and scenery, the Malta: Gozo Full-Day Jeep with Lunch and Boat Transfers is a top choice. This guided tour combines land and sea, starting with a jeep ride across the island. You’ll pass by the Citadel, Salt Pans, and picturesque villages, learning about Gozo’s history from your knowledgeable driver. The tour also includes a boat transfer to visit the Blue Lagoon and Caves, weather permitting, giving you a comprehensive look at the island’s highlights.
Guests often highlight the guide’s expertise—one said, “Our guide, Alex, made our day absolutely amazing!” It’s suitable for active travelers who want a balance of exploration and relaxation. The tour lasts around 7 hours, including a lunch break with a hearty meal. The only downside is that the schedule is quite packed, so it might feel rushed for those who prefer a leisurely pace. Still, it offers a good mix of scenic views, cultural sights, and water activities.
Bottom Line: Ideal for adventure seekers and history lovers who want a comprehensive tour with a personal touch.
4. Malta: Blue Lagoon & Sea Caves Boat Trip & Gozo Buggy Tour
If you’re after a mix of land and sea, the Malta: Blue Lagoon & Sea Caves Boat Trip & Gozo Buggy Tour delivers with a 6.5-hour adventure. This tour starts with a jeep tour of Gozo, taking you to charming villages, salt pans, and the coast, with a buffet lunch and unlimited wine included. Afterward, the boat visits the Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, and the caves, providing plenty of opportunities for swimming and exploring.
This experience appeals to those who want to see both the rugged land and the sparkling waters of Malta’s lesser-visited spots. Reviewers mention the “friendly drivers” and “delicious lunch,” emphasizing the value for money and relaxed pace. The tour offers a good balance for active travelers who enjoy small groups and hands-on adventures. The only downside is the reviews note some crowds at certain points, but overall, it’s a memorable, well-organized day.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking a full day of varied activities, combining land, sea, and local culinary treats.
5. Malta: Around Comino Cruise and Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch
Our final pick, the Malta: Around Comino Cruise and Gozo Jeep Tour with Lunch, offers a well-rounded 6.5-hour experience for about $81. It combines a scenic cruise around Comino, with stops at the main attractions and swimming spots like the Blue Lagoon, with a jeep safari exploring the island of Gozo. The tour includes a buffet lunch with local wine, and hotel pickup is included.
This tour is perfect for travelers wanting to cover both islands in one day without the crowds. Reviewers appreciate the “friendly guides” and the “beautiful swimming spots,” especially the less crowded early-morning lagoon visits. The combination of boat and land gives a varied perspective of Malta’s scenic coastlines and inland villages.
Bottom Line: Great value for those who want a diverse day out, blending scenic cruising with land exploration on a budget.
How to Choose the Right Cruise or Boat Tour in Gozo
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities: budget versus privacy, activity level versus relaxation, or full-day adventure versus short scenic trip. For a quiet, intimate experience with swimming and stunning caves, the half-day lagoon cruise is ideal. If you prefer a personalized adventure, the private boat charter offers maximum flexibility.
For those wanting a comprehensive look at both Malta and Gozo, the full-day jeep tour combines land exploration with scenic water stops. If you’re seeking variety, the blue lagoon and sea caves trip provides a perfect mixture of land, sea, and local cuisine.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak months, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Think about your fitness level, how much swimming you want to do, and whether you prefer group or private experiences, then pick the tour that matches your style.
Final Thoughts
Gozo’s waters and landscapes lend themselves beautifully to a range of boat experiences, from peaceful lagoon swims to full-day explorations. If you’re after a relaxed half-day, the Comino Lagoon cruise is hard to beat. For a personalized touch, the private charter promises exclusivity, while the land-and-sea combo tours provide a broader look at the island’s sights.
No matter which you choose, early booking and clear expectations about pace and activity level will help you make the most of your time on this stunning Maltese island. These tours are not just about seeing the sights—they’re about experiencing the water, the sun, and the quiet beauty of Gozo’s coastlines.